Should India import and reprocess the world’s growing mountains of junk and toxic garbage? Should this become our business opportunity, capitalizing on the fact that rich countries need cheaper and more efficient ways of dealing with their waste—everything from electronic to medical? The question is if we can manage the waste of others, even as we struggle and fail to deal with our own piles of garbage.

E-waste should never be sold as trash to rag-pickers as it may end up with unorganised recyclers who basically burn main parts to extract precious metals. This causes release of extremely toxic substances called dioxins and furans.

E-waste should also not be dumped in a landfill. Even in small doses, these materials can contaminate soil as well as drinking water. Landfills are also prone to uncontrolled fires which can release toxic fumes.

Product obsolescence whether inbuilt or otherwise is becoming more rapid since the speed of innovation and the dynamism of product manufacturing has resulted in a short life span for most electronic products.

The problem of e-waste arises when these used electronic devices and house hold appliances such as computers, hand held cellular phones, personal stereos and large household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners etc reach their end of life.